Propane Safety

Littlefield Propane Company is committed to protecting the health and safety of everybody who plays a part in our operations, uses our products, or lives in the communities in which we operate. Our most important measure of success has always been the health, safety and security of our employees, customers and neighbors. We will not be satisfied until we succeed in eliminating all injuries, occupational illnesses, unsafe practices and incidents of environmental harm from our activities.

To reach our health and safety goals, we have set forth a policy to make our workplace safe, healthy and secure. Littlefield Propane Company also ensures that all employees from our top management to our newest hire understand that working safely is a condition of employment, and that they are each responsible for their own safety and the safety of those around them. The management of the company provides employees, contractors and customers with the capabilities, knowledge and resources necessary to instill personal ownership and motivation to achieve safety, health, and security excellence.

For more information or about health, safety and security, or to request a MSDS please contact our Safety Director.

Propane Safety Rules:

1. Propane vapor is heavier than air. As such, in the event of an unintended release of propane vapor, the vapor will migrate to the lowest point. In example, your basement or crawl space.

2. Do not tamper with your system's supply lines or appliances.

3. Do not tamper with any safety devices, regulators or storage tank fittings .

4. Familiarize yourself with the location of your storage tank's vapor service shutoff valve.

5. Installation or repair of propane gas appliances or equipment must be performed by a qualified technician.

6. Never test for a propane leak using an open flame. Only suitable leak detection solutions may be used.

7. Propane must be handled with caution. In the unlikely event that a propane leak should occur, take the following steps:
   a. Immediately shut off the storage tank's service valve.
   b. Eliminate all possible outside sources of ignition.
   c. Do not turn on any light switches.
   d. Contact us immediately.
 

Reading Your Propane Gauge:

To convert percentage to gallons, multiply the number displayed on the face gauge (50 means 50% or .50) by the water capacity of the tank. Water capacity can be found on the tank manufacturers nameplate. The chart below indicates percentages converted to gallons on common size propane tanks (at 60°F).

Carbon Monoxide:

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that cannot be detected through sense of smell or taste. Exposure to carbon monoxide may cause you to experience any or all of these symptoms:

• Headaches, tightness across the forehead and temples
• Weariness, weakness, dizziness and vomiting
• Loss of muscular control
• Watering and smarting of the eyes

If any of these symptoms develop, move outdoors immediately. Have your propane system and attached appliances inspected and repaired before you return to the building or area where carbon monoxide is suspected.

Your safety, and the safe use of your propane gas system are of our primary concern. Please contact us if you ever have any questions about the operation or maintenance of your propane gas system and appliances.

Propane's Odor

When produced, propane is colorless and odorless. For safety and detection purposes, a chemical odorant (ethyl mercaptan) is added to propane. The presence of the odorant alerts you of a potential propane gas leak.

Under certain circumstances, the odorant in propane gas may oxidize and lose its distinctive odor. This odor fade can occur in new steel containers when first placed into service and in older steel containers that have been left open to the atmosphere. Not all people are able to detect the presence of the propane's odorant. Physical conditions such as competing odors, colds, flu, allergies, or smoking may diminish a person's ability to detect the odorant.

If you think that you cannot detect the presence of the odorant, or if you have an impaired sense of smell, please contact us. A service technician will verify the presence or absence of odorant in your system. If you suffer from an impaired sense of smell, consider the installation of an electronic gas detector.
 

For more propane safety information, please visit the links below.

www.propane101.com

www.usepropane.com/consumer_safety

www.npga.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=462